2010 GRAND MARSHALS
NANCY & JACK BELL
Nancy Bell – Treasurer, Maryfest
After college, I lived in Seattle, busy raising my family. I was a Camp Fire Leader, Boy Scout Assistant Leader and PTA President. I have worked as a fabric store manager, seamstress, bank teller and color consultant. I still keep in contact with some of my high school classmates. We are known as the “Nifty Fifties”.
I moved to Marysville (Spee Bi Dah) in 1984. The following summer I helped a new friend with the Strawberry Festival and the vendors at Comford Park. When my friend moved away, I inherited her job. It was very exciting to watch the numbers grow. I was in charge of the Market until it outgrew the park and moved to Asbery Field. Since then I have helped with almost all of the events in some manner.
I became the Treasurer in 1996. I keep a close eye on the budget, but each year the Festival has grown and each time we have saved some money to start all over again next year and for the future. But we couldn’t do it without our wonderful sponsors and great community support. I retired in 2004 for two years but was called back into service and have been Treasurer ever since.
The Marysville Strawberry Festival is very dear to me. It got its start the same year that I was born – 1932. While working for the Festival, not only do I get to represent my community, travel to other cities and meet new people, I also get to work with some pretty talented young people. Our Royalty Court are the cream of the crop and it is refreshing to view young people at their best instead of all the negative things that are in the news these days. When the end of a season rolls around I feel like jumping into the air and shouting, “We did it!” That is, if I could leap any more.
Together Jack and I have seven children, twelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Jack has always been my support for the many meetings I go to, as the Festival works year round. He is always there with ideas and participation when needed. In fact, it was Jack who came up with the name “Market in the Park”. He has been a great partner for me and the Festival.
I find it amazing that so many years have passed by, loving every minute of them. I have many projects to complete and look forward working on most of them.
Jack Bell
I am a World War II veteran, born on February 22, 1923.
I served in the Navy from 1942-1945 in the South Pacific. I have lived in the Marysville area for over 40 years and have resided in the community known as Spee Bi Dah in the Tulalip Indian Country for 36 plus years. I am proud to have many close friends with the Tulalip Tribes. I have been active with the Tulalip Tribes serving as Planning Commission Chair and have helped bring the Tulalip and Marysville communities together.
One of the major things that have made this possible is the Marysville Strawberry Festival. My wife, Nancy and I have been involved and members since 1985. I have helped behind the scenes. I have been involved in a non-political way in the betterment of Marysville and Snohomish County. It has been rewarding to see over the years the Tulalip Tribes, the City of Marysville and Snohomish County grow into the 20th century and beyond.
The Marysville Strawberry Festival has become a large landmark to Marysville and is one of the most popular parades in the State of Washington. I have been very fortunate to have many friends and associates in Marysville and Snohomish County. I have been blessed with my partner, Nancy, who has made my life very special.
Nancy has dedicated herself for many years to the betterment and solidarity of the Marysville Strawberry Festival. I am proud of her work and the dedication to that cause. We are both so proud and pleased to be Grand Marshals for the 2010 Marysville Strawberry Festival Grand Parade!
